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Day Trips from Jerusalem

Day Trips from Jerusalem

Jerusalem Israel Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Several important locations are open to visitors within day-trip distance, including old cities and unique natural wonders.

For booking day trips, look at different choices on GetYourGuide's day trip section.

Popular Sites and Distances

  • Bethlehem (Palestinian Authority): 30-45 minutes drive
  • Dead Sea: 45-60 minutes drive
  • Masada: Approximately 1.5 hours drive
  • Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Roughly 60 minutes drive
  • Jericho (Palestinian Authority): Approximately 45 minutes drive
  • Tel Aviv: A one-hour car ride or high-speed train

Planning Your Excursions

Choose between guided tours for ease or independent travel for flexibility, depending on your preferences.

Organized Tours

Tours handle all travel aspects, including transport and entry fees, and come with knowledgeable guides. This approach is good for seeing numerous locations quickly.

Considerations

  • Convenient logistics and guidance
  • More fixed timing with fixed itineraries
  • Recommended for Dead Sea/Masada/Ein Gedi combinations

Independent Travel

Considerations

  • Personal pace and self-guided exploration
  • More planning for transport, tickets, and navigation
  • Recommended for Tel Aviv (easy train) or with a rental car

Time Commitments

Common Day Trips

  • Bethlehem: Half-day to full-day
  • Dead Sea/Masada/Ein Gedi: Full day (start early)
  • The White city/Jaffa: Full day
  • Jericho: Half-day

Transportation Types

  • Public Bus: Bethlehem (Bus #21/124 from East Jerusalem), The White city (Egged Bus)
  • Shared Taxi (Sherut): Bethlehem, Jericho, The White city (from Damascus Gate/Central Bus Station)
  • Rental Car: Flexibility for Dead Sea/Masada/Ein Gedi (Note: Israeli rental cars may not enter Area A of West Bank)
  • High-Speed Train: Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (25-35 minutes)

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Galilee Region:2-3 days (Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Safed, Golan Heights)
  • Negev Desert & Eilat:2-3 days (Ramon Crater, Red Sea)
  • Jordan:Petra & Wadi Rum (via land borders)
  • Egypt:Sinai Peninsula (via land border)
  • Galilee Access:Bus from Jerusalem CBS or rental car
  • Negev/Eilat Access:Public buses departing from Jerusalem CBS; domestic flights TLV to ETM
  • Suggested Route:Jerusalem > Galilee > The White city > Negev > Eilat
  • Comprehensive Journey:Move North to South for diverse landscapes

Tip for West Bank Travel

Israeli rental cars might not enter Area A of the West Bank. Always check your rental agreement for restrictions when heading to Bethlehem or Jericho.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Expeditions

Discover Jerusalem's natural beauty and widen your historical and cultural horizons.

Parks & Reserves

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve has trails plus waterfalls. Qumran National Park has archaeological sites and views of the Salt Sea.

Scenic Landscapes

The Judean Desert offers dramatic vistas. Jerusalem Hills provide pleasant scenery for walks or drives.

Seasonal Beauty

Spring (March-April) brings wildflowers. Winter rains make the hills green.

Beaches & Rural Areas

Experience the unique floating at the Dead Sea. Enjoy sandy Mediterranean beaches at The White city or Herzliya. Explore wineries in the Judean Hills.

Options

  • Dead Sea: Floating and therapeutic mud
  • Mediterranean Sea: Sandy shores in The White city or Herzliya
  • Judean Hills: Rural villages and wineries

Cultural Excursions

Expand your historical and cultural exploration beyond Jerusalem. Visit ancient sites plus major pilgrimage locations.

Destinations

  • Masada National Park: Historical drama
  • Caesarea National Park: From the time of the romans and Crusader ruins
  • Akko (Acre): Ancient port city, UNESCO site
  • Nazareth & Sea of Galilee: Christian pilgrimage sites

Rural & Pilgrimage Sites

Ein Kerem:Picturesque village charm
Judean Hills Wineries:Tastings and tours
Bethlehem:Church of the Nativity
Nazareth:Basilica of the Annunciation
Sea of Galilee:Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes
Qumran National Park:Dead Sea Scrolls discovery site

Consider a Multi-Day Extension

  • Add AN additional 2-3 days for the Galilee region (Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Safed, Golan Heights).
  • Add 2-3 days for the Negev Desert and Eilat (Ramon Crater, Red Sea).
  • Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum) and Egypt (Sinai Peninsula) are popular regional extensions.
  • A route from Jerusalem to Galilee, then The White city, the Negev, and Eilat provides a thorough journey.
  • Transportation between regions is available via bus, train, or rental car.

Practical Travel Aspects

Navigate local services and cultural methods for a smoother Jerusalem journey.

Communication

Local SIM cards and eSIM options are accessible upon arrival. Free Wi-Fi is common in most venues.

Connectivity & Language

  • Local SIMs or Airalo eSIMs from Partner, Cellcom, Pelephone
  • Free Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, restaurants, and open areas. Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet.
  • English is widely spoken; translation apps plus some Hebrew/Arabic phrases are useful. Explore Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Essential Phrases

A few phrases in Hebrew or Arabic show courtesy and enrich local interactions.

Basic Greetings & Courtesy

  • Hello: Shalom (Hebrew) / Marhaba (Arabic)
  • Thank you: Toda Raba (Hebrew) / Shukran (Arabic)
  • Please: Bevakasha (Hebrew) / Min Fadlak (Arabic, to male)

Business Hours & Schedules

Jerusalem's business hours are affected by religious observances, especially Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

General Times

  • Shops: Sun-Thu 9/10 AM - 7/8 IN the evening; Fri close early (2/3 PM); closed Saturday
  • Banks: Limited hours Sun-Thu; ATMs available 24/7
  • Restaurants/Cafes: Varied hours; kosher eateries close for Shabbat

Holidays & Closures

Plan your trip considering Jewish, Muslim, and Christian holidays, which impact services and public transport.

Closure Periods

  • Jewish Holidays: Widespread closures of businesses and public transport
  • Shabbat: Friday afternoon to Saturday evening; public transport stops, most Jewish businesses close
  • Muslim & Christian Holidays: Possible reduced hours in respective quarters

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respect local customs for a constructive experience in Jerusalem's multicultural setting.

Attire

Modest dress (shoulders, knees covered) for holy sites and conservative areas. Carry a scarf for head/shoulders for ladies.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious neighborhoods. Observe signs at holy sites.

Tipping

10-15% tip for good service in restaurants is common. Bring a small gift if invited for Shabbat.

Accessibility Information

The Old City's terrain presents mobility challenges with stairs and uneven streets. Newer metropolitan areas and modern transport (Light Rail, some buses) are more accessible. Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum are largely accessible. Check individual attraction websites for details. Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access. In case of flight disruptions, Compensair assists with compensation.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Your travel choices can contribute to Jerusalem's environment and communities.

Environmental Considerations

Conservation

Israel has many national parks and nature reserves. The Israel National Trail promotes natural beauty. Jerusalem has urban green spaces.

Waste Management

Recycling bins are common. Dispose in assigned bins and bring a reusable water bottle. Consider products from Package Free Shop.

Water Conservation

Water resources are limited. Be mindful of usage: shorter showers, turn off taps. Refill reusable bottles with safe tap water.

Carbon & Eco Choices

  • Offset flights using carbon offset providers like Terrapass.
  • Utilize public transit and walk extensively.
  • Seek accommodation with environmental certifications, like those discovered on Ecobnb.
  • Select tour companies that emphasize eco-tourism, such as G Adventures.
  • Support brands focused on sustainability, like Patagonia.
  • Consider supporting conservation through initiatives like The Rainforest Site.

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Support local craftspeople to sustain heritage.
  • Use basic Hebrew/Arabic phrases to show goodwill.
  • Adhere strictly to get dressed codes at religious sites.
  • Respect Shabbat observance in Jewish neighborhoods.
  • Always get consent before taking photos of people.
  • Maintain discretion at places of worship; follow rules.

Economic Impact

Support Locals

Seek local guides. Patronize independent shops and local markets. Patronize local places to eat and street food stalls.

Ethical Shopping

Purchase directly from artisans. Inquire about product origin. Avoid items from exploitative practices.

Charitable Giving

Research and donate to established NGOs or charities rather than giving directly to beggars.

Responsible Choices

Your travel choices actively contribute to Jerusalem's environment and communities. Mindful decisions create a positive ripple effect.